Fifa has fined all four home nations for displaying poppies during World Cup qualifiers around Armistice Day. England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the symbol when they met at Wembley on 11 November. Wales and Northern Ireland's respective games featured displays on the pitch or in the stands to mark the event. England have been fined 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,311), Scotland and Wales 20,000 Sfr (£15,694) and Northern Ireland 15,000 Sfr (£11,770). Fifa disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said he "fully respected" the commemorations but stressed the rules "need to be applied to all member associations".

The second round of autumn internationals did not disappoint. Scotland came agonisingly close to a first victory over world champions New Zealand but just fell short, losing 22-17 in dramatic style at Murrayfield. England completed a 30-6 demolition of Australia in wet conditions at Twickenham in a game full of controversy and drama. And having rung the changes, Ireland and Wales struggled against tier-two opposition. To even be close to New Zealand, you've got to be at your very best and on Saturday, Scotland were.

Wales may not have beaten the All Blacks for 64 years but they head into Saturday's Test in Cardiff with head coach Warren Gatland insisting there is no longer a "fear factor" among his players thanks to the performance of the British and Irish Lions this summer.

Over four weeks, England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland will take the measure of the southern hemisphere's finest in the autumn internationals. The action begins on Saturday with new Scotland coach Gregor Townsend overseeing his first game at Murrayfield, against Samoa. Later in the day, England take on Argentina, Wales play Australia and Ireland entertain South Africa. Scotland and Wales' matches, including those against world champions New Zealand, will be live on BBC. Highlights of England's matches against the Pumas, Australia and Samoa will also be on BBC television soon after the match, with radio commentary of many games on BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra.

For three of the four home nations, Saturday's fixtures brought an end to their autumn Tests. Scotland capped an impressive month with a record-breaking 53-24 thumping of Australia. England saw off Samoa 48-14 to make it three wins from three in November, while Ireland's 28-19 victory over Argentina also secured a 100% record. But Wales, who play South Africa next week, slumped to a 30th consecutive defeat by the All Blacks as the world champions ran out 33-18 winners. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has found the on switch for this group of players.